Press Remarks by H.E. Mr. Wang Min, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations

2010/12/20

(Photo by Shen Hong, Xinhua News Agency)

We have taken note of the latest developments of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula is in the interest of both the South and the North of the Peninsula, as well as other relevant parties. We strongly appeal relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint, act in a responsible manner and avoid increase of tensions.

Recently, China has spared no efforts to engage both sides of the Peninsula and relevant parties through various channels, in order to avoid broadening of differences and escalation of tensions. Not long ago, H.E. Mr. Dai Bingguo, State Councillor of the Chinese State Council has paid urgent visits to the ROK and the DPRK respectively. He had candid and thorough discussions with leaders of the two countries, urging the two sides to maintain calm and show restraint, pursue dialogue and engagement, and avoid taking any action that may worsen the situation. During the last several days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China also urgently met with ambassadors of both the DPRK and the ROK in Beijing, reiterating for several times China's views and positions.

Yesterday, China has supported Russia's proposal to call for an urgent meeting the Security Council on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Members of the Council, including China, the United States and Russia have made efforts to the extent possible to avoid armed conflict on the Peninsula. The meeting was positive and of great importance.

Calm rather than tension, dialogue rather than confrontation, peace rather than warfare, this is the strong aspiration and voice of the peoples from both sides of the Peninsula and the international community.

China strongly urges both sides of the Peninsula to keep calm and restraint, solve issues through peaceful dialogue and engagement. China will continue to make our efforts towards this end.